TUPELO — Businessman Ray Shoemaker wants to be free on bail while his federal conviction in a kickback-bribery scheme is on appeal.

Shoemaker was sentenced in September to 55 months in federal prison, a $10,000 fine and three years’ post-release supervision on six counts related to a kickback conspiracy. He is scheduled to report to prison on Nov. 1.

The crimes centered on Tri-Lakes Medical Center in Batesville, of which Shoemaker was the administrator.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reports Shoemaker’s appeal was filed Oct. 9 in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.

In his bond motion, Shoemaker insisted evidence would show him innocent. U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers Jr. has not ruled on the motion.